WEXPFest attendance rocks to success

By Nick Talbot
Collegian Staff
April 25, 2007

La Salle’s very own Backstage was brimming with the rhythmic beauty of local music this past Saturday evening for WEXPFest. What was originally an all-day women’s rights benefit show deteriorated into a two hour showcase of merely a couple bands. Despite the seemingly disastrous setback, WEXPFest emerged as a successful effort.

The hosts of WEXPFest clearly knew the best way to attract college students: free stuff. Sandwiches, chips, soda, water and even WEXP T-shirts were provided at no cost. But the crowd was not limited to La Salle students. Friends and family of the performers were also numerous in attendance. Backstage was looking busier than it has all year. There were not even enough seats to contain everyone who showed up. Luckily, the anticipating crowd was in for a treat beyond free sandwiches.

While the spectators gathered inside and the first band set up, there was an opening performance to virtually eliminate any span without live music. It was a one-man show featuring Justin Wiener on both acoustic guitar and vocals. He played various modern pop songs that actually had some in the crowd singing along. He managed to brighten up the lull in between bands.

The first band to take the stage was Averley, a four man act featuring Lasallians Eric Jaen on bass and Alex McGrath on drums. There were also two guitarists/vocalists, Nick Gregorio and Andrew Buck. They are most appropriately described as a screamo outfit, a harsh combination of fast-paced, poppy chord progressions; heavy, chugging guitar with intense vocals; and metal-influenced guitar riffs. Comparable to bands such as Thursday and Anatomy of a Ghost, their sound was often catchy and invigorating.

Noting that this was their first show in seven months made their performance even more impressive. The band appeared entirely comfortable on stage, moving around and cracking jokes in between songs. They successfully avoided any awkwardness that many beginning or local bands find themselves caught in by not addressing the crowd or panicking if the slightest thing goes wrong. Their set concluded with an enthusiastic round of applause from the pleased crowd.

Once again, the one-man show Justin Wiener took the stage, playing songs like “Pardon Me” by Incubus and his own Jack Johnson medley to entertain the crowd while headliner No Name Road set up.

No Name Road is a five-piece alternative rock band featuring lead guitarist/vocalist Nick Tomasello, rhythm guitarist Sean Spencer, drummer Josh Jayne, keyboardist Mike Senese and Lasallian Kyle Abbott on bass and vocals. They drew a large crowd consisting of family and friends from both home and La Salle.

The group put together an impressive set made up of several catchy originals and a couple of covers. Each member showcased a great degree of talent on his designated instrument. During some songs, the band would keep a beat and alternate which member was playing a lead part. Their songs encompassed a great range of genres. Jazzy and groovy bass lines, rocking guitar solos and speedy piano beats made for a set that never seemed to bore.

Perhaps there were a few bloopers, but No Name Road shook them off with a laugh and did not let anything hinder their overall performance. A concluding effort that included a spectacular drum solo and an encore cover of “Hanginaround” by Counting Crows did not disappoint and propelled WEXPFest to a success.

talbotn1@lasalle.edu